Ireland-based aircraft leasing company AerCap has signed agreements with Air Macau to acquire three new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Under the long-term lease agreements, the first aircraft is expected to be delivered to Air Macau in November next year.

AerCap plans to deliver the remaining two units through October 2021.

Air Macau is set to lease the Airbus A321neos as part of a fleet-modernisation plan.

Air Macau Executive Committee CEO and chairman Chen Hong said: “We are pleased to cooperate with AerCap, a strategic partner that we recognise and hold in high regard. The A321neo aircraft is the most technologically advanced single-aisle aircraft series.

“We will continue to adhere to our strategic vision of ‘Being rooted in Macau, Serving Macau, Being the preferred airline for Macau travellers’, bringing more advanced products and better service to passengers, and building an air bridge for Macau.”

Air Macau leased its first aircraft, three Airbus A321s and one A320 from AerCap in 1995.

AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said: “With the rapid development of Macau’s economy, Air Macau is well placed to take advantage of this opportunity and to expand its network into new markets in China, South-East and North-East Asia using the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

“We thank Chen Hong, chief executive officer and chairman of Air Macau’s Executive Committee, for the confidence he has placed in AerCap and we look forward to working with the Air Macau team for the next 25 years and beyond.”

In January 2017, AerCap signed an agreement to lease 20 new aircraft to Chinese carrier Loong Air, which enabled the latter to expand its fleet.